Heating appliance control system

ABSTRACT

A heating appliance control system provides flame and heat control based on a flame signal indicative of a selected flame characteristic. The flame characteristic may correspond to the frequency and amplitude of the flame, or may relate to a mean flame temperature over time, flame color, size, movement patter, or other physical or aesthetic characteristic of the flame. The heating appliance may also include a scent delivery system and a sound system that function independently or in synchronization with the flame characteristics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to control of heating appliancefeatures, and more specifically relates to controlling a heatingappliance flame and coordinating changes in the flame with sound andscent production in the heating appliance.

2. Related Art

Generally, heat generation in a heating appliance is altered bycontrolling the source of energy being used to generate heat. Most knownheating appliances include some type of heat control system thatfacilitates on/off control, the level of heat output, and possiblythermostatic control that involves monitoring room temperature and turnsthe heating appliance on or off in order to maintain a certaintemperature within the room. In the case of a gas powered heatingappliance such as a gas fireplace or stove, heat generation iscontrolled by altering the flow of gas to a burner via a gas valve.

Decorative heating appliances such as fireplaces and stoves typicallyinclude a combustion chamber of some type wherein heat is generated orsimulated in the form of a flame, and the flame is viewable foraesthetic purposes. Many fireplaces and stoves that burn a gaseoussubstance rather than a solid fuel like wood or other fibrous materialattempt to produce a flame or flame effect that simulates burning of asolid fuel. Burning of a solid fuel not only produces flame modulationsbut also produces a variety of burning sounds such as crackling andsnapping sounds, and different burning scents that are not commonlyassociated with burning a gaseous fuel. A heating device that providesimproved heating control and simulation of a solid fuel flame isdesirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a heating appliance that isconfigured to provide flame and heat control based on a flame signalindicative of a selected flame characteristic. The flame characteristicmay correspond to the frequency and amplitude of the flame, or mayrelate to a mean flame temperature over time, flame color, size,movement patter, or other physical or aesthetic characteristic of theflame. The heating appliance may also include a scent delivery systemand a sound system that function independently or in synchronizationwith the flame characteristics.

One aspect of the invention relates to a gas fireplace that includes acombustion chamber enclosure defining a combustion chamber, a burnerpositioned to generate a flame within the combustion chamber enclosure,a variable valve coupled to the burner, a module coupled to the variablevalve, and an input device. The module is configured to generate acontrol signal for use by the variable valve to adjust a flow ofcombustible fuel delivered to the burner to generate at least one flamecharacteristic. The input device may be used for selecting one of theflame characteristics.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a gas fireplace that includesa combustion chamber enclosure defining a combustion chamber, a burnerpositioned to generate a flame within the combustion chamber enclosure,a variable valve configured to provide a combustible fuel to the burner,and an input device configured for selection of at least one flameeffect. The fireplace also includes a module coupled to the variablevalve that is configured to control the variable valve according to oneof a plurality selected flame effects thereby controlling fuel flow tothe burner.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a flame control system thatincludes an input device configured to provide selection of at least oneflame effect, a module configured produce a control signal correspondingto the at least one flame effect, and a flame modulator configured tomodulate a flame in response to the control signal.

A yet further aspect of the invention relates to a heating appliancethat includes a combustion chamber enclosure defining a combustionchamber for the combustion of fuel, a burner configured to producecombust the fuel to produce a flame, valve configured to control fuelflow to the burner, and a controller configured to generate a flamecontrol signal that is delivered to the valve, the valve controllingfuel flow in response to the flame control signal to alter an amplitudeand frequency of the flame.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a flame and sound systemconfigured for use with a heating appliance. The system includes aninput device configured for selection of at least one user preference, acontrol module configured to generate a flame control signal and a soundcontrol signal in response to the selected user preference, a flamemodulator configured to modulate a flame in response to the flamecontrol signal, and a sound generating device configured to producesound in response to the sound control signal.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of controlling aflame that includes selecting at least one flame indicator using a inputdevice, generating a flame control signal with a control module, theflame control signal corresponding to the at least one selected flameindicator, and controlling a flame characteristic in accordance with theflame control signal.

A yet further aspect of the invention relates to a method of controllinga gas fireplace assembly that includes a burner, a valve, a soundsystem, a scent delivery system, and a control module. The methodincludes generating a control signal with control module andcommunicating the control signal to the valve, the sound system, and thescent delivery system, controlling a fuel flow from the gas valve to theburner in response to the control signal, controlling production ofsound by the system in response to the control signal, and controllingproduction of scent by the scent delivery system in response to thecontrol signal.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of thermostaticallycontrolling a flame. The method includes providing a first roomtemperature measurement, setting a target room temperature, generating aflame having a first flame amplitude configured to provide heatsufficient to attain the target room temperature, providing a secondroom temperature measurement, determining a difference between thetarget room temperature and the second room temperature measurement, andaltering the first flame amplitude to a second flame amplitude when thedetermined difference is within a predetermined temperature range of thetarget room temperature.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describeeach disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the presentinvention. Figures in the detailed description that follow moreparticularly exemplify embodiments of the invention. While certainembodiments will be illustrated and describing embodiments of theinvention, the invention is not limited to use in such embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of thefollowing detailed description of various embodiments of the inventionin connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an example fireplace assemblyincorporating features and systems of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the fireplace assembly shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example valve assembly according toprinciples of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 3taken along cross-sectional indicators 4-4;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an example control panel according toprinciples of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of an example control systemaccording to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of example features of theinvention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of further example features of theinvention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of an example control systemaccording to principles of the invention;

FIG. 10 is an example grid showing combinations of flame mode and styleoptions;

FIG. 11 is a graph showing results of a first style in burn down mode;

FIG. 12 is a graph showing results of a second style in burn down mode;

FIG. 13 is a graph showing results of a third in style burn down mode;

FIG. 14 is a graph showing results of a fourth style in constant mode;

FIG. 15 is a graph showing results of a fifth style in burn up mode;

FIG. 16 is a graph showing results of a sixth style in thermostaticcontrol mode;

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram showing example user selection options at acontrol panel;

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram showing an example method of flame, sound andscent in a heating appliance;

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram showing an example method of thermostaticallycontrolling a flame;

FIG. 20 is a flow diagram showing an example method of controllingfeatures of a heating appliance based on the time and calendar inputs;

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing communication between a heatingappliance control system and database; and

FIG. 22 is a schematic front perspective view of an example scentcartridge and scent heating element according to principles of theinvention.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternateforms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example and thedrawings, and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention generally relates to control of heating appliancefeatures and more specifically relates to controlling a heatingappliance flame and coordinating changes in flame characteristics withsound and scent production in the heating appliance.

One heating appliance for which the present invention may beparticularly useful is a fireplace that includes a combustion chamberenclosure defining a combustion chamber and a front surface throughwhich the combustion chamber is viewable. A flame provided in thecombustion chamber produces heat and a decorative flame effect. Energyin the form of, for example, a combustible fuel, may be delivered to thecombustion chamber in a controlled manner to control both the heatgenerated by the flame and the appearance of the flame.

One example flame control system includes a variable valve that controlsmodulation of a flame burning in the combustion chamber by controllingthe flow of fuel through the valve. An opening in the valve can becontrolled according to a specific style of flame modulation related tothe flame frequency and absolute temperature, or may be controlledaccording to a certain mode of flame bum over time which is related to amean temperature of the flame over time. The opening and closing of thevalve to produce the style and mode of the flame may be controlled in aresponse to a control signal generated by a controller. The controllermay also synchronize or otherwise control generation of sound and scentproduction in the heating appliance that corresponds to the flame styleand mode. Auxiliary features of the heating appliance may also becontrolled by the controller independently or in synchronization withchanges in the flame characteristics, the sound, and the scent beinggenerated. Example heating appliance auxiliary features include an emberbed, lights, and blowers that may be activated by the controller.

As used herein, the term “combustion chamber enclosure” can be anystructure that at least partially surrounds that portion of thefireplace or heating appliance in which combustion or heat generation orsimulation of heat generation occurs. A combustion chamber enclosuretypically includes a plurality of panels that define a combustionchamber for the combustion of fuel or generation of heat using othermeans. The term “living space” will be understood to mean the interioror inner portion of a dwelling structure, such as a house or officebuilding. The term “heating appliance” is defined as any appliance orapparatus configured to provide a source of heat and preferably anaesthetic function, and may include such appliances as gas fireplaces,electric fireplaces, heaters, furnaces, and stoves. Some examplefireplaces that may be used in conjunction with the control system ofthe present invention include a direct vent, a universal vent, a B-vent,a horizontal/vertical-vent, a dual direct vent, and a multi-sided unithaving three or more glass panels as combustion chamber side panels.While the present invention is not so limited, an appreciation ofvarious aspects of the invention will be gained through a discussion ofthe examples provided below. The term “flame characteristic” and “flameeffect” may be defined as including the frequency and amplitude, and mayrelate to a mean flame temperature over time, flame color, size,movement patter, or other physical or aesthetic characteristic or effectof the flame.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example heating appliance assembly 10in the form of a fireplace is shown and described. Assembly 10 includesan outer enclosure 12, a combustion chamber assembly 14, a controlassembly 16, a valve assembly 18, a burner assembly 20, a viewing panel22, a control panel 24, a lighting assembly 26 and a blower 28. Theouter enclosure 12 includes an inner cavity 30 and an opening 32 formedin a front surface thereof to provide visual access into a combustionchamber 36 defined by a combustion chamber enclosure 34 of thecombustion chamber assembly 14. The control assembly 16 includes acontroller 50 and a power module 52. The controller 50 may includememory that is either stored with the controller or stored at a remotelocation. The valve assembly 18 includes a valve 38 and inlet and outletfuel lines 40, 42. The burner assembly 20 includes a burner plate 46 anda grate 48. The lighting assembly 26 includes a light bulb 54 and alight housing 56. The blower 28 is positioned within the outer enclosure12 and may be used to move heated air within the outer enclosure 12.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the valve 38 includes a base 60, a primary fuelvalve assembly 62 that includes first and second end plates 64, 66, ahollow tubing member 68 having a threaded end 70, first and secondmagnets 72, 74 positioned within the tubing member 68, a wire coil 76positioned between the first and second end plates 64, 66, and anadjustment member 78. The adjustment member 78 alters a position of thefirst magnet 72 relative to the second magnet 74 within the hollowtubing member 68.

The valve 38 can be made continuously adjustable by applying a variablepressure to a pressure setting portion of the valve that controls theflow of a gaseous fluid through the valve. This variable pressure isproduced by utilizing the force produced by a magnet acting in amagnetic field generated by the wire coil 76. In one example, the coil76 is made by winding an AWG (American Wire Gauge) magnet wire about2300 turns in a coil configuration, the first and second end plates 64,66 may be separate brass disks spaced apart about 0.9 inches along thetubing member 68, and the tubing member 68 may be a 0.25 inch brasstubing that is about 1.5 inches long.

The first and second magnets 72, 74 may be, for example, Neodymium,Alnico, Samarium-Cobalt, or any other suitable magnets that provide therequired reaction to forces produced by the energized coil 76. Thesecond magnet 74 is moved in the tube 68 relative to the base 60 by themutual repulsion of the first magnet 72 and by the magnetic fieldgenerated in the axial direction when a current is applied to the coil76, thereby creating a gas pressure change in the base 60. The secondmagnet 74 may also be held in place by means of a spring (not shown),although the spring should have little to no friction against the innersides of the tubing member 68 so as to minimize hysteresis and to benon-magnetic. A magnetic spring may be attracted to the magnet andproduce discrete steps thereby eliminating the continuously variableproperties of the valve assembly.

In use, the adjustment member 78 is adjusted to produce the maximumdesired flow with no power applied to the wire coil 76. To vary the gaspressure within base 60, a positive current applied to the coil 76 movesthe first and second magnets 72, 74 in a first axial direction relativeto the base 60, and a negative current applied to the coil 76 moves thefirst and second magnets 72, 74 in a second axial direction relative tothe base 60 in a direction opposite of the first axial direction. Movingthe second magnet 74 either increases or decreasing the gas pressure inthe base 60 depending on the direction of motion relative to the valve68. In one embodiment, the operating pressure of the valve 38 is about1.7 to about 3.5 inches of water, and preferably about 2.2 to about 3.5inches of water. These pressure ranges may be well suited for generatingheat output in the heating appliance of about 27,000 to about 35,000BTUs.

If the current applied to the coil 76 is modulated between positive andnegative values, the pressure in valve 68 will inversely follow themodulation of the current applied to the coil 76. If the polarity ofboth of the magnets is reversed, the pressure in base 60 will directlyfollow the modulation in the current applied to the coil 76. Otherembodiments may include only a single magnet positioned in the coil,which configuration provides the same or similar effects as describedabove for valve assembly 62 while providing a reduced axial force when acurrent in applied to the coil 76 as compared to a double magnetconfiguration.

The amount of current applied to coil 76 relates directly to thedistance the magnets 72, 74 travel relative to base 60, therebyproviding a direct correlation with the gas pressure changes in the base60. As a result, increasing current to the coil results in an increase(or decrease depending on the magnet polarity) in the gas pressure inthe base 60 which will then increase (or decrease) the amount of gasflowing through valve 38 to, for example, a gas burner that produces aflame. Likewise, decreasing current to the coil results in a decrease(or increase) in the gas pressure in the base 60 which will thendecrease (or increase) the amount of gas flowing through valve 38.Controlling the current flow can thus be used to control the flow ofcombustible gas to a burner with relative precision.

The friction of the first and second magnets 72, 74 in the tube member68 is preferably kept as low as possible to provide consistentperformance and minimum hysteresis. The magnets 72, 74 may be coatedwith a low friction material such as Teflon, and an inner surface of thetubing member 68 may also be coated with a similar low frictionmaterial. The hysteresis of the valve assembly may be shown on a plot(not shown) using an XY recorder with current one axis and gas pressureon the other axis. As the current is increased to the wire coil 76, oneline will be drawn on the graph and as the current is decreased anotherline will be drawn on the graph. The distance between the two lines isthe hysteresis.

A minimum pressure can be set in the valve 38 by mechanically adjustingthe adjustment member 78 so that the primary valve assembly 62 is set ata minimum pressure desired. The maximum pressure may be limited forsafety reasons using a configuration in which, for example, the firstmagnet 72 is stopped by the head structure provided at an end of theadjustment member 78. By reversing either or both of the first andsecond magnets 72, 78 or the polarity of the wire coil 76, the gaspressure can be increased with increasing current applied to the coil 76rather than decreasing with increased coil current. In this way, thepressure in the valve can be made to both increase and decrease bydriving the wire coil 76 with a bipolar current. An example bipolarcurrent can be provided by varying a DC current or using a pulse with amodulated current.

Other devices that may be used in place of the fuel valve assembly 62 ofvalve 38 include, for example, linear actuators, stepper motors, or aheat sensitive material in a bimetallic switch that deforms undervarying heat conditions. An example heat sensitive material that may beused is NiTi, sometimes known as Nitinol, which is known to deform whenheated, for example, by running a current through the material.

The control panel 24 may be used as a user interface with the controlassembly 16. Communication between the control panel 24 and the controlassembly 16 can be facilitated using any system or technology capable oftransmitting control signals such as, for example, a drawn wire, radiofrequency (RF), infrared (IR), cellular, satellite, ultrasound oroptics. The control panel 24 may include some basic computer relatedcomponents such as a microprocessor, memory, digital to analog (D/A) andanalog to digital (A/D) converters and various input and output devices.In other embodiments, the control panel 24 may be a simple input deviceand all processing associated with the inputs is handled by the controlassembly 16.

The example control panel 24 shown in FIG. 5 includes a base 80, adisplay screen 82, and a keypad 84. The display screen 82 providesindicators associated with the changes entered into the system via thekeypad 84. In other embodiments, the keypad 84 may be integrated intothe display screen when the display screen includes touch screencapabilities, wherein discrete areas of the display screen are activeand are capable of receiving inputs via a touch input by a user.

The keypad 84 includes a plurality of keys or actuators for controllingcertain features of the heating appliance assembly 10. For example, thekeypad 84 may include a fan actuator 86, a cold climate actuator 88, aflame mode actuator 92, a flame style actuator 94, an auxiliary flameactuator 96, up and down actuators 98, 100, and a sound control actuator102. The display screen provides visual indicators of the systemsettings controlled through the keypad 84. For example, display screen82 may include an on/off indicator 104, a timer indicator 106, a roomtemperature indicator 108, a target room temperature indicator 110, afan level indicator 112, a lighting indicator 114, a flame styleindicator 116, an auxiliary flame indicator 118, a battery lifeindicator 120, a cold climate indicator 122, and a sound systemindicator 124.

The fan actuator 86 may be used to control certain speeds of the blower28 to circulate air heated between the outer enclosure 12 and thecombustion chamber assembly 14 and exhaust that heated air back into theliving space or to a remote area. An example blower and associatedventing system is shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/769,557, filed on Jan. 30, 2004 and entitled EXHAUST SYSTEM FOROPEN FRONT FIREPLACE, which application is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

The cold climate actuator 88 may be used to maintain a minimum source ofheat generation in the combustion chamber by, for example, burning apilot light or maintaining a relatively small flame at the burner plate46 at substantially all times or according to a thermostatic control.Such a generation of heat may be useful for eliminating a cold air draftentering the combustion chamber in reverse flow through the heatingappliance exhaust vent or for maintaining a minimum temperature in theliving space. The light actuator 90 may be used to activate an ember bed(not shown) associated with the burner assembly 20, or to activate thelighting assembly 26 or other lighting features (not shown) associatedwith the heating appliance assembly 10.

Although an ember bed is not shown, an example electric ember device foruse in a fireplace is shown and described in U.S. Published PatentApplication No. 2002/0166554A1, filed on May 9, 2001 and entitledELECTRIC EMBER BED, which patent application is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. An example backlighting system for use with afireplace is shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/719,037, filed on Nov. 19, 2003 and entitled BACKLIGHTING SYSTEM FORA FIREPLACE, which patent application is also incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. An ember bed and a lighting system may becontrolled through the controller 50. For example, the controller 50 maybe used to generate ember bed control signals and lighting controlsignals that are sent to the ember bed and light producing fixture tofacilitate modulation or other alterations of the ember look orlighting. Control of the ember bed and lighting may be independent ofthe flame, sound and scent characteristics, or may be control insynchronization with the flame, sound and scent characteristics.

The flame mode actuator 92 may be used to select between one or moreflame modes associated with a mean flame temperature over time. Someexample flame modes that may be selected via the flame mode actuator 92are described in further detail below and may include, for example, aburn down mode, a constant flame mode, a burn up mode, or athermostatically controlled mode. The control panel 24 does not includean indicator related to the flame mode selection, although such anindicator may be added to display screen 82 in other embodiments.

The flame style actuator 94 is used to select between one or more flamestyles associated with such flame characteristics as, for example, aflame frequency and a flame absolute temperature. Flame modulationfrequency and absolute amplitude may correspond to random orpseudo-random inputs that are used by the control assembly 16 togenerate a flame control signal that controls fuel flow through thevalve assembly 18 to the burner 46. Flame characteristics such asmodulation frequency and absolute amplitude may be independentlyselectable and controllable or may be interdependent with each other. Inone embodiment, a single algorithm is used for a selected flame styleand separate timing crystals (or other random or pseudo-random numericgeneration device) are used to generate numeric inputs related to theflame frequency and absolute amplitude, respectively. In anotherembodiment separate algorithms are used to generate the flame frequencyand absolute temperature using a single timing crystal. Timing crystalsmay include a predetermined range of values that are established by thecrystal structure and set using a clock signal. The timing crystalprovides “pseudo-random” numeric values in that the values are randomlychosen from within the established range.

Various flame styles will be described in further detail below and mayinclude any suitable combination of different flame frequencies andabsolute amplitudes that can be individually selectable and/or providedautomatically with, for example, a flame mode selection, a cold climateselection, or an auxiliary flame actuator selection. Some control paneland control assembly embodiments may be pre-programmed with or includepre-selectable activators and buttons for certain combinations ofavailable flame characteristics, style, modes, and other options for theheating appliance assembly. Auxiliary flame actuator 96 may be used toselect other flame characteristics or to actuate secondary flames,simulated flames, or other flame-related features associated withheating appliance assembly 10.

The up and down actuators 98, 100 may be used to raise or lower a valueassociated with, for example, the timer, target room temperature, fansspeeds, flame styles, or volume of a sound system.

The sound control actuator 102 may be used to select between a varietyof different sound tracks either directly or indirectly, choose betweendifferent sound volumes, and provide an on/off switch for apredetermined sound that is associated with, for example, certain flamemodes or flame styles. Additional sound related features of heatingappliance assembly 10 are described in further detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an example control assembly 16 may include amultiplier 120, a CPU 122, memory 124, communication connections 126,removable storage 128, non-removable storage 130, output devices 132,input devices 134, a D/A converter 136, an A/D converter 138 and a powersupply 52. These features of control assembly 16 are common to manyknown computing devices. Other embodiments of controller system 16 mayinclude more or fewer components as needed for a given application. TheCPU (central processing unit) 122 may be any suitable processortypically capable of being programmed, receiving input signals, andgenerating output signals based on programmed code, algorithms,commands, etc., or may generally be defined as a controller capable ofreceiving inputs and producing outputs.

The memory may be volatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM,flash memory, etc.) or some combination of the two. The removable andnon-removable storage 128, 130 may include, but not be limited to, amagnetic disk drive, an optical disk drive, or a hard disk drive. Otherstorage media may include volatile and non-volatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or other data. The memory 124, removable storage 128and non-removable storage 130 are all examples of computer storagemedia. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM,EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other medium which can be used to store the desired informationand which can be accessed by the controller 50.

The communications connection 126 facilitates communication betweencontroller 50 and other devices. Communications connection 126 is anexample of communication media. Communication media typically includescomputer readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or othertransport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. Theterm “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of itscharacteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode informationin the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communicationmedia includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wireconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, IR and otherwireless media. The term “computer readable media” as used hereinincludes both storage media and communication media.

The input devices 114 may include, for example, one or more of thefollowing: a keyboard, mouse, pin, voice input device, touch inputdevice, etc., such as the control panel 24. Output devices 116 include,for example, a display, speakers, printer, burner, lights, scentgenerating devices, etc., which devices can be positioned together withother output devices or at a location remote to the control assembly 16.All these devices are well known in the art and need not be discussed atfurther length. Although the control assembly 16 is shown as beingmounted within the outer enclosure 12 of the heating appliance assembly10, other embodiments may include a controller that is positioned at aremote location or may include controller components that are positionedat a remote location and accessible through some type of communicationnetwork or connection. For example, program modules used by the CPU maybe located in both local and remote computer storage media includingmemory storage devices. In one such example (as shown in FIG. 21), theheating appliance controller system 220 may communicate through acommunications network 222 with a remote database. Such a communicationsnetwork 222 may include the Internet, satellite, cellular, or otherwireless communications systems to connect the controller system 220with additional information such as program modules, algorithms, digitalsound tracks, or other information necessary for controlling certainfeatures of the heating appliance assembly 10.

The multiplier 120 may be used to generate inputs for use by the programmodules and algorithms used by CPU 122. In other embodiments, outputgenerated from the program modules and/or algorithms executed by CPU 122may be passed through the multiplier 120 before further processing anddelivery to other features of the heating appliance assembly 10. Adivider or other linear or non-linear value altering device may be usedin place of multiplier 120 to produce the desired result. In oneexample, a single algorithm and single timing crystal may be used forthree different styles that are available for selection by a user, anddifferent control signals related to each of the three styles isdetermined by the multiplied or divided value applied to the output fromthe algorithm by the multiplier/divider. In either configuration,selection of the multiplier/divider and program modules/algorithmsthemselves or inputs to those devices may be dependent on the inputsselected by a user at the control panel 24. The random nature of thesignal generation using random or pseudo-random inputs results in alower probability of repeating a sequence of control signals, whichreduced repeatability may be advantageous for improving the look andfeel of a flame and related flame effects.

Referring now to FIG. 7, one aspect of the invention relates to anexample system having an input device 140, a control assembly 142, and aheating appliance 144 having a flame modulator 146. Input from the inputdevice 144 provided to the control assembly 142 is used to control aflame via the flame modulator 146. The input device 140 may be anysuitable system or device, such as, for example, control panel 24,remote control device, or buttons and controls directly mounted to thecontrol assembly 142 that provide input signals to the control assembly142. The control assembly 142 may include one or more components such asa CPU, memory, storage devices, input and output devices, digital toanalog and analog to digital converters and communications systems thattogether receive inputs or that is preprogrammed with certaininformation for program modules that are executable to provide a flamecontrol signal to the flame modulator 146. The flame modulator 146 maybe a valve, valve component, burner, or other device that controls flamegeneration by, for example, controlling fuel flow or other conditionsthat affect a flame characteristic. The flame modulator 146 may bepositioned within or in close proximity to a heating appliance 144 tomodulate or in some way control a flame or a simulated flame in responseto flame signals provided by the control assembly 142.

Although many of the examples described herein refer to generation andcontrol of an actual flame and characteristics of the flame, similarprinciples may apply to generation and control of a simulated flame. Forexample, control signals generated by the control assembly 142 may beused to control a flame modulator that includes, for example, blowers,rotary devices, lighting, image generation devices, and other devices orstructures that may be used to simulate a flame.

Referring now to FIG. 8, another aspect of the invention relates to anexample system that includes input from a control assembly 150 and aflame modulator 152. In this embodiment, the input 150 may be anelectronic signal, data stream, or other formatted information capableof altering functions of a flame modulator. The flame modulator may beany suitable device configured for controlling an actual flame orsimulated flame using, for example, a mechanism that controls the flowof fuel or power or information that corresponds to changes in the flameor simulated flame.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an example control system 160 includingfeatures and functionality in accordance with certain aspects of theinvention is shown and described. Control system 160 includes a controlassembly 162, a control panel 164, a flame control system 166, a soundcontrol system 168, a scent control system 170, and an auxiliary controlsystem 172. The features of panel 164 and systems 166, 168, 170 are notlimited by those features shown and described with reference to thesystem 160.

The control assembly 162 may include a processor such as a CPU and mayalso include memory and other features necessary to communication withthe panel 164 and systems 166, 168, 170, 172. An example controller foruse in the control assembly 162 may be the control assembly 16 describedabove.

The control panel 164 includes a display 180, an input device 182, andmemory 184, and may include further features and functionality asdescribed above with reference to control panel 24 described above andshown in FIG. 5.

The flame control system 166 may include a high/low solenoid control190, a high/low solenoid 192, an H-bridge 194, a variable gas valvesolenoid 196, and on/off control 198. One example flame control system166 may include the fuel valve assembly 62 described above withreference to valve 38 and shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Other flame controlsystems may include alternative gas valve components used to controlgaseous fuel flow through a valve. In other example flame controlsystems, such as a system that utilizes a simulated flame, the flamecontrol system may be limited to the flow of voltage, current, or otherpower source that has a corresponding effect upon the appearance of asimulated flame.

The sound control system 168 may include a CPLD (complex programmablelogic device) 200, flash memory 202, a D/A converter 204, and an audioout device 206. The sound control system 168 may include a number ofsound tracks in either a digital or analog format that can be selectedin response to signals from the control assembly 162 to produce soundsignals at the audio out device 206. In one example embodiment, thesound control system 168 includes multiple sound tracks each having apre-determined track length and sound sequence. In such a system,signals from the control assembly 162 provide activation of one or moreof the sound tracks to provide different sound production from thecontrol system 160.

One example sound control system 168 that includes a minimum memorystorage requirement includes eight different sound tracks that eachprovide a different sound and have a duration of about two to fourseconds. Sound signals from the control assembly 162 correspond todifferent flame styles and modes as described above and different soundtracks or accumulated use of multiple sound tracks may correspond todifferent flame scenarios. For example, a high frequency, high absoluteamplitude flame may correspond with a sound signal from the controlassembly 162 that accesses all eight sound tracks, whereas a very lowfrequency, low absolute amplitude flame would correspond to a soundsignal from control assembly 162 that accesses only one or two of thesound tracks. In another example, the various sound tracks may beselected randomly or selection of the tracks may be chosen based on apattern of interchanging or repeating tracks over time. Such a patternmay correspond to a particular flame characteristic related to aselected flame style and mode.

In other embodiments, each of the eight sound tracks may includedifferent sounds with the same or different volume, or the same soundswith different volumes. In another example control system that mayrequire extensive amounts of memory space/usage is a system that has twoor more different sound tracks having lengthy durations (e.g., 20seconds to about 2 minutes) that are selectable for a particular styleand/or mode of the flame. For example, a given flame style and modeselection via the control panel 164 may correspond to a sound signalfrom control assembly 162 that accesses a single track that playsrepeatedly rather than playing multiple tracks concurrently or in serieswith each other. In another embodiment, a volume produced from eachtrack may increase or decrease depending on the size of a generatedflame.

In still further embodiments, the sound control system 168 may includesounds that do not correspond to the flame or simulated flame providedby the flame control system 166. For example, the sound control system168 may include sound tracks corresponding to certain seasons of theyear (e.g., Spring or Fall), weather conditions (e.g., wind, rain,thunder), music preferences of a user (e.g., Rock, Jazz, Classical), orthe time of day (e.g., morning or night) in which the control system isbeing used. Such non-flame related sound tracks may be pre-selectedindividually by a user via the control panel 164, or may be selectedautomatically in response to preprogrammed program modules oralgorithms/inputs provided to the control assembly 162. The soundcontrol system 168 may be connected to an remote music source through,for example, a wireless LAN or cable connection.

An alternative sound related system that may be useful in someembodiments of the invention includes a sound monitoring or collectingdevice such as a microphone that collects sounds, provides inputs to thecontrol system based on the collected sound, and the control systemadjusts flame characteristics, sound and scent outputs, and other systemoutputs based on the sound related inputs. In one example configuration,a microphone is used to collect sounds from a room in which the heatingappliance resides, and the flame frequency and fire related sound outputis increased or decreased depending on the amount of “noise” in theroom. In one scenario when a user is reading a book in a quiet room, thefire frequency and absolute temperature may be reduced and the firerelated sounds generated by the sound system may also be reduced to alow volume. In a second scenario when the same room is full of people inload conversation, the flame frequency and absolute temperature and firerelated sounds may be increased automatically in response to the levelof “noise” collected by the microphone. The collect “noise” may be theintensity or volume of sound measured, for example, in decibels, or itmay be a measurement of different sound tones, frequencies, etc.generated in a room.

The scent control system 170 may include a signal adapter 210, a heatingelement 212, and a scent cartridge 214 that can be inserted into a slot213 formed in the heating element 212, as shown in FIG. 22. Scentsgenerated by scent control system 170 are typically intended toreplicate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted whenburning wood and other fibrous materials. The scent cartridge 214typically includes materials that emit actual or replicated VOCs whenheated, and are typically designed to resist combustion when heated totemperatures common present within the heating appliance (e.g.,temperature within a combustion chamber of a fireplace). In oneembodiment, the scent control system 170 may be configured to receive ascent signal from the control assembly 162, adapt that scent signal to asignal format that controls the heating element 212 that is in contactwith the scent cartridge 214 thereby producing a scent. Many known scentcartridges produce a scent in response to heat. For example, a piece ofwood such as cedar can be placed adjacent to and heated by a primarysource of heat in a heating appliance.

Heating scent cartridge 214 may be accomplished using the separateheating element 212 such that the scent cartridge can be heated somewhatindependently of the primary source of heat in the heating appliance. Inthis configuration, the heating element 212 is the main source of heatfor heating the scent cartridge to produce scent. Other embodiments mayuse a combination of heat sources to heat the scent cartridge. Forexample, the scent control system may be positioned adjacent to or inclose proximity to the primary source of heat in the heating appliance(e.g., a burner within a combustion chamber enclosure of a fireplace)such that scent production directly correlates with a mean temperatureof the flame and/or heat source provided in the heating appliance. Anexample combined heating source for a scent system includes anartificial log wherein the heating element is embedded in the log and isalso contacted by a flame in the combustion chamber.

Many scent control systems have a delayed scent generating effect inthat the scent cartridge must be heated to a certain temperature priorto producing a given amount of scent. To compensate for this delay, thescent control system 170 may be a “smart” system that predicts futureflame conditions based on trends in the flame characteristics (e.g.,flame temperature and flame size) and controls the heating element 212to either increase or decrease heat supplied to the scent cartridge 214in advance of the existence of the predicted flame characteristic sothat the proper scent intensity is provided concurrently with productionof the actual flame characteristic.

The scent control system 170 may be used in correlation with a blower orfan (e.g., blower 28 shown in FIG. 2) that distributes the scentgenerated by the scent cartridge. The blower speed may be controlled,for example, using control system 162, to increase or decrease scentdistribution to correspond with certain flame characteristics such asthe absolute or mean temperature of the flame. For example, the blowerspeed may be increased along with increased heating by heating element212 such that the overall scent production better correlates with anincrease in mean flame temperature.

The auxiliary system 172 may include a lighting system such as anelectric ember bed or backlighting system, a fan/blower or other airmoving device, or other feature of a heating appliance that may becontrolled in response to signals provided by control assembly 162.

The control assembly 162 may be configured to send signals to each ofthe systems 166, 168, 170, 172 that are coordinated and provide someelement of synchronous performance or activation of each of the systems.For example, a flame signal provided from the control assembly 162 tothe flame control system 166 may relate to an increased mean temperatureof a flame produced in response to a certain open position of a gasvalve, while the control assembly 162 may provide at the same time ascent signal to the scent control system 170 that corresponds to anincrease in scent production, and also send a sound signal to the soundcontrol system 162 that correlates to a higher volume or more activesound representative of a higher temperature flame. Such a use ofcontrol system 162 is representative by the process flow diagram shownin FIG. 18. Thus, the functions of systems 166, 168, 170, 172 can alsoact or be set independently from one another, or can be synchronized inany desired combination.

FIG. 18 illustrates the steps of a user selecting flame characteristicsat a control panel such as a flame style and mode, a signal being sentfrom the control panel to the control board, the control board accessinginformation from memory, and the control board calculating controlsignals based on an algorithm or program module. The control signalsinclude a sound control signal sent to the sound system, a flame controlsignal sent to a valve, and a scent control system for the deliverysystem. In response to the sound control signal, the sound systemaccesses stored sound information and produces a specific sound. Inresponse to the flame control signal, the flame control system modulatesa flame or simulated flame. In response to the scent control signal, thescent delivery system varies scent generation in the heating appliance.

With reference to FIG. 10, a flame or simulated flame production in theheating appliance may be controlled according to different modes andstyles. The optional combination of various modes and styles provide theplurality of options available to a user (for example, available choicesfor a user via a control panel). Each style and mode may be selected andused individually and independently, or may be used in combination withother styles and modes. Some example flame modes include a burn downmode, a constant flame mode, a burn up mode, or a thermostaticallycontrol mode. A burn down mode is representative of a solid fuel burningfire that uses a discreet amount of solid fuel, which is commonly knownto build to a peak flame size and/or temperature, and then reduced to alow temperature, low flame size fire over a set time period. A constantflame mode relates to a fire that has a set flame absolute amplitude anda flame frequency that is constant or varies in a repeatable way, andpreferably has a constant mean flame amplitude over time. A burn up modeis representative of a solid fuel fire in which the fire begins with avery small flame amplitude and mean temperature and builds slowly overtime to a peak flame absolute and mean temperature and frequency. In theburn up mode, the flame characteristics such as flame frequency andabsolute temperature may continue to vary over time after reaching thepeak mean temperature. A thermostatically controlled mode relates to aflame that is limited to a certain room temperature (thermostatreading), and controls the mean temperature of the flame over time so asto maintain the predetermined room temperature without turning the flameon and off as is common in most thermostatically controlled heatingappliances.

Some example flame styles include a “wild” fire in which the flame has ahigh frequency and high flame absolute amplitude, a “laid back” style inwhich the flame frequency is relatively low and the flame absoluteamplitude is relatively small, and a “romantic” style in which the flamefrequency is typically between the wild and laid back frequencies andthe flame absolute amplitude is set at any suitable value. FIG. 11 is agraphical representation of the electronic signals (voltage or current)sent from a controller to a variable gas valve for the production of awild style flame in a burn down mode. The peak-to-peak value of eachcycle represents an absolute value of the flame temperature, thefrequency of the signal is measured between each cycle, and the meanvalue of the signal over time represents the mean temperature of theflame. FIGS. 12 and 13 represent respective laid back and romantic flamestyles in a burn down mode. It can be seen from FIGS. 12 and 13 that thefrequency is much lower than the wild style and that the absolutetemperature of the flame corresponding to the signal is substantiallyequivalent to that of the wild fire, although the absolute amplitude maybe different in other embodiments. The “burn down” mode is representedby the mean value of the signal, which increases slightly initially intime and then slowly decreases to a minimum value at the end of the timeperiod.

FIG. 14 illustrates a constant flame mode in which the voltage signal tothe variable valve is set to a mean flame temperature. Although FIG. 14illustrates the flame having a high frequency modulation, someembodiments may include a flame with little to no modulation (i.e.,frequency equal to zero) so that the flame is merely on at a constantvalve opening condition.

FIG. 15 illustrates a burn up mode in which the mean flame temperatureincreases over time and the flame absolute temperature also increasesover time to a peak value. In some embodiments, multiple modes may becombined over a fixed time period. For example, the user may be able toprogram the controller to produce a constant flame for a first hour andthen a burn down mode for the subsequent hour. The controller may alsobe controlled based on a timer in which the controller actuates theflame control system at a predetermined time of day to produce a certainflame mode and style for a certain time period.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a thermostatically controlled mode is shownwith reference to a temperature versus time scale. As the mean flametemperature approaches the target temperature, the flame control signalis modified to produce a mean flame temperature that moves toward andaway from the target temperature typically in a sinusoidal modulation asshown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 provides a flow diagram of an example method of using thethermostatically controlled mode. The user initially chooses a targettemperature (T_(T)), a flame mode (thermostatic mode) and possibly aflame style (e.g., wild, laid back, romantic that relate to a flamefrequency and absolute temperature). A room temperature reading istaken, which, for example, can be measured at the input device 24 asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and provided with the other user selections tothe controller. The controller then uses the inputted information toproduce a flame signal that corresponds to a mean flame temperatureprojected to reach the targeted temperature T_(T). At certain intervalsof time (t₂, t₃) the room temperature readings (T₂, T₃), are provided tothe controller and the controller determines a difference between thetarget temperature and the temperature in each of the pre-selected timeperiods to generate a flame factor (ΔT) and then recalculates and sendsa new flame signal to the variable valve based on a projected roomtemperature that will result from the flame signal. This process isrepeated over time as the mean temperature of the flame changes and theroom temperature changes so as to maintain a room temperature at orbelow the targeted room temperature. This process may be modified indifferent ways to provide a constant room temperature or a range of roomtemperatures without the need to ever turn the flame off. In someembodiments, the system may shut off the flame if the room temperaturereaches a certain level above the target temperature (e.g., 5 or moredegrees above the target temperature), which may be necessary if, forexample, a certain style of flame is selected or if the flame is burningfor an extended period of time in a substantially sealed room.

The above described thermostatically controlled mode may be used toadjust a room temperature from 70° F. (temperature=T₁ at time=t₁) to atarget temperature of 80° F. (T_(T) at time=t_(i)). This 10 degreetemperature change defines a flame factor range of 1 to 10. If a secondtemperature reading (T₂=76° F.) is taken at t₂, and the new flame factoris 4 (ΔT=T₂−T_(T)). The control system may use the flame factor of 4 asan indicator that the target temperature of 80° F. will be approachingwithin a relatively short time period given the selected flamecharacteristics (e.g., flame frequency and absolute temperature). As aresult of this evaluation, the control system may reduce the flameabsolute temperature slightly while maintaining the flame frequency, orimplement some other change in the flame characteristics that wouldreduce the mean temperature output of the flame. A third temperaturereading (T₃=79° F.) may be taken at t₃, and the new flame factor is 1(ΔT=T₃−T_(T)). With a flame factor of only 1, the control system mayneed to more significantly modify some flame characteristic in order toavoid overshooting the target temperature. A fourth temperature reading(T₄=78° F.) may be taken at t₄, and the new flame factor is 2(ΔT=T₄−T_(T)). With a flame factor of 2 after having more modifiedcertain flame characteristics at t₃, the control system may now lookforward and predict that the room temperature will continue to decreaseat the current setting and will then modify the flame characteristics toincrease the heat output of the flame. This cycle of monitoring the roomtemperature, determining a flame factor, and adjust the flamecharacteristics may be repeated continuously or may be used incombination with other flame modes to provide the desired roomtemperature and flame characteristics.

Referring now to FIG. 20, as noted above, the controller may be providedwith a clock and calendar and programmed with certain program modules oralgorithms that are activating in response to certain user selections offlame style and mode. The controller may provide a flame style and modeand sound selection based on either or both of the user selectionsand/or the time of day or day of the year. For example, certainconfigurations may provide for background sounds of birds chirping ifthe flame is activated in the early morning hours on a spring day in themonth of March, or the sound of crickets, nightfall or other nighttimesounds may be activated when the flame is produced in the nighttimehours during a summer month of July.

Generation of a flame, sound, scent or other signal from the controllerof the control system may be generated in at least one of the twofollowing ways. In one configuration, a single signal generatingalgorithm is used or a separate algorithm for each of the flame, sound,scent and other outputs, and numerical values unique to each flamestyle, mode or combination thereof is provided to the algorithm forprocessing by a multiplier. A separate multiplier may be used for eachflame style and mode or combination of styles and modes, for example, aseparate multiplier for each of the combinations shown in the grid ofFIG. 10. In another configuration, a separate algorithm may be used foreach chosen flame style and mode and a multiplier may or may not be usedto further process the outputs from the algorithm before they are sentto the respective flame, sound, scent, and auxiliary systems. In stillfurther embodiments, the numeric inputs and multiplier values may bestored in a table or array of values that is stored in memory andaccessed by the control system as necessary.

The present invention should not be considered limited to the particularexamples or materials described above, but rather should be understoodto cover all aspect of the invention as fairly set out in the attachedclaims. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerousstructures to which the present invention may be applicable will bereadily apparent to those of skill in the art to which the presentinvention is directed upon review of the instant specification.

1. A heating appliance, comprising: a combustion chamber enclosuredefining a combustion chamber; a burner positioned to generate a flamewithin the combustion chamber enclosure; a variable valve coupled to theburner; a controller coupled to the variable valve, the controllerconfigured to generate a control signal for the variable valve to adjusta flow of combustible fuel delivered to the burner to generate at leastone of a plurality of flame characteristic; and an input device coupledto the controller for selecting one of the plurality of flamecharacteristics.
 2. The heating appliance of claim 1, wherein thecontrol signal adjusts the flow of combustible fuel through the variablevalve, and the at least one flame characteristic is a modulated flame.3. The heating appliance of claim 1, wherein the at least one flamecharacteristic includes a modulated flame having a modulation frequencyand a modulation absolute temperature.
 4. The heating appliance of claim1, wherein the at least one flame characteristic includes a mean flametemperature measured over time.
 5. The heating appliance of claim 4,wherein the mean flame temperature has a set value over time.
 6. Theheating appliance of claim 4, wherein the mean flame temperatureincreases over time.
 7. The heating appliance of claim 4, wherein themean flame temperature decreases over time.
 8. The heating appliance ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is configured to provide at least twocontrol signals, and each control signal relates to a separate one ofthe plurality of flame characteristics.
 9. The heating appliance ofclaim 8, wherein the at least one flame characteristic associated withthe control signal includes a first modulated flame having a firstmodulation frequency and a second flame characteristic associated with asecond control signal includes a second modulated flame having a secondmodulation frequency.
 10. The heating appliance of claim 1, wherein thecontroller includes a programmable processor and memory, and theprocessor uses an algorithm and algorithm inputs stored in the memory togenerate the control signal.
 11. The heating appliance of claim 1,wherein the input device is a display device that includes a displayscreen and input selectors.
 12. The heating appliance of claim 1,wherein the variable valve includes a magnet and a wire coil configuredto adjust a position of the magnet to achieve a pressure within thevariable valve.
 13. The heating appliance of claim 1, further comprisinga sound system configured to produce sound in response to a soundcontrol signal generated by the controller.
 14. The heating appliance ofclaim 1, further comprising a scent generating system configured toproduce a scent in response to a scent control signal generated by thecontroller.
 15. The heating appliance of claim 1, wherein the at leastone flame characteristic provides a variable flame amplitude to maintaina desired flame temperature.
 16. A gas fireplace comprising: acombustion chamber enclosure defining a combustion chamber; a burnerpositioned to generate a flame within the combustion chamber enclosure;a variable valve configured to provide a combustible fuel to the burner;an input device configured for selection of a plurality of flameeffects; and a controller coupled to the variable valve and the inputdevice, the controller configured to control the variable valveaccording to at least one of the plurality of flame effects to therebyselectively controlling fuel flow to the burner.
 17. The fireplace ofclaim 16, further comprising a sensory output device configured toproduce a sensor output corresponding to variations in the fuel flow tothe burner.
 18. The gas fireplace according to claim 17, wherein thesensory output device comprises a scent delivery system.
 19. The gasfireplace according to claim 17, wherein the sensory output devicecomprises a sound system.
 20. The gas fireplace according to claim 17,wherein the sensory output device comprises a scent delivery system anda sound system.
 21. A flame control system, comprising: an input deviceconfigured to provide selection of at least one flame effect; acontroller configured to produce a control signal corresponding to theat least one flame effect; and a flame modulator configured to modulatea flame in response to the control signal.
 22. The system of claim 21,wherein the at least one flame effect is a modulated flame having aflame modulation frequency and a flame modulation absolute amplitude.23. The system of claim 21, wherein the at least one flame effect is amean flame temperature.
 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the meanflame temperature increases over time.
 25. The system of claim 23,wherein the mean flame temperature decreases over time.
 26. The systemof claim 23, wherein the mean flame temperature maintains asubstantially constant temperature over time.
 27. The system of claim22, wherein the flame modulation absolute amplitude varies over time.28. The system of claim 22, wherein the flame modulation frequencyvaries over time.
 29. The system of claim 21, wherein the flamemodulator is a variable gas valve.
 30. The system of claim 21, whereinthe input device is configured as a control panel having a plurality ofuser activated actuators.
 31. The system of claim 21, further comprisinga burner configured to generate the flame, wherein the flame modulatoris configured to modulate delivery of a combustible fuel to the burnerthereby modulating the flame.
 32. A heating appliance, comprising: acombustion chamber enclosure defining a combustion chamber for thecombustion of fuel; a burner configured to combust the fuel to produce aflame; a valve configured to control fuel flow to the burner; and acontroller configured to generate a flame control signal that isdelivered to the valve, the valve controlling fuel flow in response tothe flame control signal to alter an amplitude and frequency of theflame.
 33. A flame and sound system configured for use with a heatingappliance, the system comprising: an input device configured forselection of at least one user preference; a controller systemconfigured to generate a flame control signal and a sound control signalin response to the at least one user preference; a flame modulatorconfigured to modulate a flame in response to the flame control signal;and a sound generating device configured to produce sound in response tothe sound control signal.
 34. The system of claim 33, further comprisinga lighting device configured to produce light in response to a lightcontrol signal generated by the control system.
 35. The system of claim33, further comprising a scent generating device configured to produce ascent in response to a scent control signal generated by the controlsystem.
 36. The system of claim 33, further comprising a blower.
 37. Thesystem of claim 33, wherein the flame modulator includes a variablevalve, the variable valve including a magnet and a conductive coiloriented adjacent the magnet, and a power source applied to theconductive coil moves the magnet relative to the conductive coil therebyaltering a fuel flow through the valve that modulates the flame.
 38. Thesystem of claim 33, wherein the heating appliance is a fireplacecomprising a combustion chamber enclosure defining a combustion chamberwherein a flame is generated.
 39. The system of claim 33, wherein thesound and flame control signals are synchronized.
 40. A method ofcontrolling a flame in a fireplace, the method comprising the steps of:selecting at least one flame effect using a input device; generating aflame control signal corresponding to the at least one flame effect; andcontrolling a flame characteristic in accordance with the flame controlsignal.
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the at least one flameeffect is a flame style.
 42. The method of claim 40, wherein the atleast one flame effect is a flame burn mode.
 43. The method of claim 41,wherein the flame style includes a flame frequency and a flame absoluteamplitude.
 44. The method of claim 42, wherein the flame bum modeincludes a mean flame amplitude over a given time period.
 45. The methodof claim 40, wherein controlling the flame characteristic includesmodulating a flame amplitude.
 46. The method of claim 40, whereingenerating the flame control signal includes entering a data inputcorresponding to the at least one flame effect into an algorithm andcalculating a control output.
 47. The method of claim 46, whereingenerating the flame control signal further includes entering thecontrol output into a multiplier to generate the flame control signal.48. The method of claim 40, wherein generating the flame control signalincludes first entering a data input corresponding to the at least oneselected flame effect into a multiplier to generate a multiplied datainput, and then entering the multiplied data input into an algorithm togenerate the flame control signal.
 49. A method of controlling a heatingappliance that includes a burner, a valve, a sound system, a scentdelivery system, and a control system, the method comprising the stepsof: generating a control signal with a controller and communicating thecontrol signal to the valve, the sound system, and the scent deliverysystem; controlling a fuel flow from the gas valve to the burner inresponse to the control signal; controlling production of sound by thesystem in response to the control signal; and controlling production ofscent by the scent delivery system in response to the control signal.50. The method of claim 49, further comprising synchronizing control ofthe fuel flow, production of sound, and production of scent.
 51. Amethod of thermostatically controlling a flame, the method comprisingthe steps of: providing a first room temperature measurement; setting atarget room temperature; generating a flame having a first flameamplitude configured to provide heat sufficient to attain the targetroom temperature; providing a second room temperature measurement;determining a difference between the target room temperature and thesecond room temperature measurement; and altering the first flameamplitude to a second flame amplitude when the determined difference iswithin a predetermined temperature range of the target room temperature.53. A flame and sound system configured for use with a heatingappliance, the system comprising: an input device configured forselection of at least one user preference; a controller systemconfigured to generate a flame control signal and a scent control signalin response to the selected user preference; a flame modulatorconfigured to modulate a flame in response to the flame control signal;and a scent generating device configured to generate a scent in responseto the scent control signal.
 54. The system of claim 53, wherein theflame control signal and scent control signal are synchronized.